Abandoned Washington State: From Old Barns to Atom Bombs

by Howard Frisk

Abandoned Washington State presents a fascinating glimpse into history, through captivating photographs of places now abandoned. Each photograph has a story behind it, and it is through these thought-provoking stories and first-hand accounts that one can find a human connection to the people that once lived, worked, and in some cases died at the places revealed in this book. The diversity of what has been abandoned in Washington State is truly amazing, from old trucks and steam locomotives consumed by rust to multi-billion-dollar government and military projects. Within these pages, an adventure awaits, for many of the locations explored in Abandoned Washington State are unknown even to life-long residents. Howard Frisk has a fervent passion for capturing the natural beauty of Washington State, as well as the abandoned farmhouses, barns, and other relics of the state's pioneering days. Howard's photographs have been published in numerous regional travel guides, books, calendars, and web sites. His work has also been displayed in juried photography exhibitions and art galleries in his hometown of Puyallup, Washington.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

96 pages, Paperback

Published August 28, 2023

About the author

My first book, The Seven Wonders of Washington State, was self-published. My second book, Abandoned Washington State, was published by Arcadia Publishing in 2023. Both are available on amazon, but if you purchase a copy directly from me, you get a signed copy. My series of five books on ghost towns and abandoned places in Idaho were published in 2025.

My debut novel, Peg Leg Annie, was published in February, 2026. Contact me if you would like a signed copy.

Click on the links below to order books directly from me:

Abandoned Washington State

The Seven Wonders of Washington State

Reviews

[Jan Brattain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating look into old and mostly forgotten places and things abandoned. I loved imagining the stories behind the stark and dusty empty houses. Who lived here and why did they leave all their possessions behind when they left? And the sad remnants of the train yards with the rusted steam engines and boxcars. Most frightening were the glimpses into the closed down nuclear power plants and the stories behind the incompetent building of them, narrowly averting disaster. I recommend this book to anyone interested in recent American history. The photographs are superb and clear. Not a lot of text but what there is tells the stories behind the pictures succinctly.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of abandoned places, they history, the story, why did the people leave? It is all so mysterious and intriguing. This short book provides a little bit about abandoned sites in Washington state which just happens to be my home state. It just gives a little glimpse into these properties following with some amazing photos.

I have actually hiked and walked around some of the properties so the book was a bit more real for me. It also gave me some more areas to explore, and of course it makes me want to get out and explore abandoned properties, doubtful that will actually happen.

[Ashley Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The photos are amazing and really capture the feel of these old, forgotten places. While many of the locations featured are on private property and not accessible to the general public, the book still offers a fascinating glimpse into Washington’s past. I was especially intrigued by how well-preserved many of the structures are, thanks to the dry climate in eastern Washington. As a fan of ghost towns it was nice to learn about a completely different area of the country I have not yet visited. I learned a lot from this book!

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a lot of fun for fans (like me) of Washington State history. Frisk’s theme—abandoned places—captures an intriguing range of places, from classic scenic sites like farm houses to Cold War-era nuclear weapon silos. Having seen many of the rural sites (I worked in forestry), including the ghost town of Molson, the site of the Wellington disaster, Fort Casey, the WPPS sites, and the logging equipment and timber company railroads, I thought Frisk’s detailed photos and succinct text conveyed just the right amount of information. I enjoyed the introduction to the other sites as well.

[Phillip · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 / 5.0
Generously provided by the Author.

Short volume. Interesting pictures of Washington relics. Minimal text. I would have enjoyed reading more about the history of the sights selected for inclusion.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frisk has successfully captured the PNW ghost towns in this gorgeous collection of photographs.

Living in the oldest settlement west of the rockies, I am especially interested in this subject matter. I find it to be my own interest for photographs and drawings. If you're like me, obsessed with history and living and working in buildings well over 100 years old, you are certain to appreciate what this book has to offer.

Anyone with an eye for photography, and/or interested in ghost towns, would be happy to own this book.

[David Grosskopf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Howard Frisk took and gathered photographs of structures around Washington State no longer in use, and he's a terrific photographer. The focus were on old farm houses, industrial structures, hospitals, trains, and a few other structures that provide a living glimpse of the past.

I learned about innovations in farming equipment, about a mining town above Omak that is startlingly well-preserved, about the 1500-2000 people buried or ashed into cans who did not survive the mental hospital built by the Olmsted Brothers, about a fallout shelter built somewhere in Seattle below the highway, about the fastest hydrofoil in the world built to catch Soviet subs but now flotsam across the river from Astoria, and got a peek into the cooling towers and nuclear reactor containment centers left unfinished in Satsop, and many other things.

Frisk writes that he is especially drawn to the abandoned places in Eastern Washington, because they are so well preserved in the dry heat. The photographs seem to bear this out: One farm house, on private land to which he was granted access on condition that he didn't report the location, visibly captured many layers of living obvious even to non-archaeologists. Even dirty plates by the sink left a story.

Above all, the read was fascinating, for the places I thought I knew and the places and history I didn't know existed at all, and I went through the book very slowly, poring over pictures in wonder and the writing in an expanding curiosity. It made me want to get in my car and see the state with a closer eye.

[Chris]

Don't know why abandoned spaces are irresistible, but this book captures the fascination. Has just the right amount of text to set the scene without ruining the mystery.

I clearly need to learn more about my home state (the Wellington avalanche! the Satsop nuclear reactor boondoggle! the USS Plainview!)

Thanks to the author for the recommendation :)

Probably "PNW Nature" on the 2025 Seattle Public Library Summer Book Bingo card.

[Dustin Aaron scharlach · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise look at what has been left behind. It is incredible to see the ruins of a time in the very recent past, reflecting the rapid pace of change in modern life. Of particular interest to me was the section on the abandoned nuclear facilities, as well as the related strangeness of a fallout shelter built underneath the freeway in Seattle. Amazing photos that focus on these large projects, as well as the individual homes that were left behind, often seemingly abruptly.

[Paul Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a great deal reading the book "Abandoned Washington State: From Old Barns to Atom Bombs" that has very interesting photography and information about Washington. I live in this state, and have even taught WA State history to students, but this book taught me things and showed me things I was unaware of. From ghost towns and trains, to abandoned hospitals, factories, military vehicles, and nuclear plants, it is a fascinating book I definitely recommend.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this book for my daughter‘s Washington state history study in our homeschool. We really enjoyed the rich descriptions and beautiful photographs. My daughter is particularly interested in abandoned properties and places, and finds the subject matter pretty compelling. The author does a terrific job of providing context for the photographs. I would recommend for fellow Washington State history buffs!

[John Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason I gave this four stars was because I didn't want it to end.

Great pictures, and great stories about places in Washington (where I grew up) and some I had no idea existed!

And it turns out we're both fans of Professor Murray Morgan, a mentor of mine in my youth.

A great book...I'm hoping for a second one.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of photos taken in washington state of abandoned places (sometimes spooky, sometimes wholesome) and the stories and context for them. such a cool way to learn about different areas and time periods of my home state. I love when you can tell someone loves doing their work!

[kazzmere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything about this book makes me want to pack my car & explore the nooks & crannies of this absurdly beautiful state

[Jorgon · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those who live in the Pacific Northwest and love history and geography, this is a fantastic little book full of beautiful photography detailing some of the more fascinating places to visit around here. Definitely an inspiration for future trips.